Here are the best free compressor VST plugins that can be used with FL Studio, Reason, Ableton Live, and other VST-supported software.
Check out this roundup of compressor plugins, including features, images, and video demos.
What Is A Compressor VST Plugin? Compressors are used to reduce the volume of loud sounds or increase the volume of soft sounds by reducing or preventing large variations in amplitude. Compressors have many uses in sound engineering, such as leveling out signal peaks and controlling audio dynamics.
Best Compressor VST Plugins
- CamelCrusher
- Density Compressor
- MCompressor
- TDR Kotelnikov
- MJUC JR
- Frontier
- SAFECompressor
- Native Instruments Supercharger
- TLS 1295 LEA
- Xfer Records OTT
- TDR Molotok
- ATKColoredCompressor
- fircomp
- BUSTERse
- TinyComp
- ThrillseekerLA
- TheExpressor
- Squeezer
- SPECOMP
- Slam Pup & More
Compressors control the dynamics of a signal by reducing the volume of loud sounds and amplifying softer sounds. Compressors are used in mastering live sound, instrument recording, and vocal production. They can be applied to a single track or an entire mix.
After downloading and testing a multitude of free VST plugins, here are some of the most impressive free compressor VSTs.
Tutorial: How to Install VST Plugins
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each compressor plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
CamelCrusher
CamelCrusher is a free ‘coloring’ multi-effect plugin.
It offers two characteristically different distortion sounds, which can be blended to create a wide variety of tones and textures. Great for guitars, drums, and plenty more.
Features
- Two distortion types
- Warm low-pass filter
- Easy-to-use compressor
- MIDI Learn function
- Useful preset patches
- Randomize for inspiration
Pros
- Creates wide tone range
- Great for various instruments
- Analog-modeled sound
- High-quality compressor
- Includes presets
- Light on resources
- Adds harmonics effectively
Cons
- Limited to three effects
- Might be too simple for some
- Lacks advanced features
- Not recently updated
- Might need supplementing
- Limited modulation options
CamelCrusher | PC & Mac
CamelCrusher Preview
Density Compressor
Density is a Bus Compressor that offers smooth and versatile dynamic processing on the stereo bus.
It isn’t modeled after any specific outboard gear. Instead, it incorporates some proven dynamic shaping approaches from the past, combined seamlessly with some much more modern concepts in audio processing – the best of both worlds.
Features
- Ultra-smooth 2 SSL bus compression
- Dynamic processing in a true 2-channel layout
- Apply dynamic range adjustments easily
Density | PC
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MCompressor
If you’re looking to add some dynamics and punch to your audio, look no further than the MCompressor. This plugin provides advanced compression that can be tailored to your specific needs.
With an adjustable compression shape and a range of up-sampling options for a crystal-clear sound, the MCompressor is a great choice for those who want to add some extra oomph to their mix. You can also use it to create dynamic sound effects.
This compressor VST plugin is a favorite of mine on the list due to its sleek interface and extensive features.
Features
- Refined compression
- Adjustable compression shape
- Up-sampling options
- Dynamic audio effects
- Standard compression knee modes
- Release settings
Plugin | PC & Mac
TDR Kotelnikov
If you’re looking to get the most accurate compression possible, look no further than TDR Kotelnikov.
This dynamic processor gives you deep musical flexibility while still providing high-fidelity dynamic range control.
The 64-bit multi-rate processing structure ensures the highest accuracy. Whereas the delta oversampled signal path provides super-fast, natural-sounding compression.
You also have flexible sidechain highpass filter options and advanced stereo linking options optimized for the stereo bus.
- 64bit multi-rate processing structure
- Delta oversampled signal path
- Flexible sidechain highpass filter options
- Advanced stereo linking options
- Bypass Switch
- Release Parameters
TDR Kotelnikov | PC & Mac
MJUC JR Compressor Plugin
This free compressor plugin is a powerful tool for shaping your projects. With two gain stages and an interstage transformer simulation, you can easily add color and depth to your tracks.
The three-position timing switch controls the attack and release times of the unit and the slew rate of the transformers, giving you precise control over the audio of your tracks.
- Two gain stages
- Interstage transformer simulation
- Three-position timing switch
- Compress controls
- Classic Hardware Compressor Emulator
MJUC JR | PC & Mac
Frontier
Frontier is a compressor plugin that offers excellent sound quality and a transparent mixing/mastering limiter.
It also has an audio shaper for those who want to add more character to their tracks.
- Excellent audio quality
- Transparent mixing/mastering limiter
- Sound shaper for adding more character to your music
- Simple and clear interface
- Output volume knob
- Transparent Compressor
Frontier | PC & Mac
SAFECompressor
This is a semantic compressor that can load settings by typing descriptive words. This is done by looking at the timbral description of the audio and finding a set of words that best describe it.
This suite of DAW plugins allows you to type in a description of the sound you want to achieve. The plugin will automatically adjust its parameters to get you close to that sound.
- Type in a description of the sound
- A suite of DAW plugin
- Clean Interface Design
Plugin | PC & Mac / Linux
Native Instruments Supercharger
This is a VST that packs plenty of horsepower behind its sleek design. The harmonic-rich sound of pure tube compression is combined with a one-knob design for ultra-fast results.
Using the intelligent interface, you can create any effect from subtly warm to brutally crushed.
You can also create ducking effects and add the bite, depth, and character of a souped-up tube compressor to your productions.
- One knob design
- Harmonic-rich quality
- Tube Compressors
- Ultra-fast results
- Intuitive Controls
- Easy Learning Curve
- Input and Output Volume
Supercharger | PC & AU
TLS 1295 LEA
This is a free vintage compressor designed after the classic Teletronix LA-2A unit. It has a simple and clear interface, making it user-friendly and perfect for both beginners and pros.
- Vintage design
- Simple and clear interface
- User-friendly
- Peak Reduction
TLS 1295 LEA | PC & Mac / Linux
Xfer Records OTT
This plugin is a powerful compression tool that can add depth and aggression to your music.
With its depth control, you can scale the amount of compression, and with its time control, you can scale the attack/release times of all bands.
This plugin also features input and output gain controls and a visual display of input and gain reduction over the low/mid/high bands.
- Depth control
- Time control
- Input and output gain controls
- Visual display
Xfer Records OTT | PC & AU
TDR Molotok
TDR Molotok is a musically characterful dynamics processor. It features eleven different compression flavor nuances, each with its distinct personality, signature sound, and musical purpose.
The program also offers different quality modes, including zero-latency operation.
High-quality signal processing is also a key feature of this plugin, as it can make a big difference in the sound of your tracks.
- 11 different compression flavors
- High-quality signal processing
- Zero-latency operation
- Attack and Release Controls
TDR Molotok | PC & Mac
ATKColoredCompressor
This mono compressor is very simple to use with its clear and simple interface. It is perfect for those who want to get started with compression without dealing with complex controls.
- Clear and simple interface
- Mono compressor
- Attack and Release Time
Plugin | PC & Mac
fircomp
This is a clean compressor with punchy attack, musical release, and optional lookahead smoothing.
- Clean and punchy audio
- Simple interface
- Fast workflow
- Low CPU usage
- Attack Time Parameters
- SC Filter
- Release Time Parameters
fircomp | PC & Mac / Linux
BUSTERse
This is a classic console compressor that helps you to control high frequencies better. With extra filter and transient sidechain options, it dominates the whole signal.
Its simple and easy-to-use interface makes it a great choice for those who want to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
- Console style compressor
- High-frequency control
- Filter and transient sidechain options
- Simple to use interface
- Sidechain High Pass Filter
BUSTERse | PC & Mac
TinyComp
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use free compressor pedal that offers a variety of compression modes, TinyComp is a great option. It features expansion, limiting, gate modes, and ducking compression from sidechain signals.
- 3 compression modes: expansion, limiting, gate
- Ducking compression from sidechain signals
- Straightforward interface
- Single-channel pedal
TinyComp | PC
ThrillseekerLA
This is a digital stereo leveling amplifier with 6 presets for different tonal characteristics. It also has an authentic audio transformer simulation to give your music that full, analog sound.
- 6 presets for different tonal Characteristics
- Audio transformer simulation
- Stereo leveling amplifier
- Preset Manager
ThrillseekerLA | PC
TheExpressor
This is a colorful upwards, downwards expander and compressor. It is perfect for those who want to keep their audio sounding professional with zero delay and low distortion artifacts.
Additionally, the built-in anti-aliasing and modulation-friendly knobs make it easy to add depth and dimension to your sound.
- Zero delay
- Low distortion artifacts
- Built-in anti-aliasing
- Modulation friendly knobs
TheExpressor | PC & Mac
Squeezer
Squeezer is a flexible general-purpose compressor with many features for your different needs. It includes side-chain capabilities, making it perfect for more advanced users.
- Side-chain capabilities
- Flexible general-purpose compressor
- Many options and features
- Clean user interface
Squeezer | PC & Mac / Linux
SPECOMP
This spectral analog compressor is simple to use and perfect for beginners and pros alike.
This program provides an easy meter to show overall gain reduction and frequency compression, allowing you to see exactly how this VST affects their sound.
- Analog compression flavor
- Simple interface
- Gain reduction and frequency metering
SPECOMP | PC & Mac
Slam Pup
Slam Pup is a multistage tube drive compressor. It emulates the sound of an American compressor and a British saturator. It has two main controls: BARK and BITE.
BARK controls the amount of multistage tube drive, and BITE controls the threshold for the compressor.
Slam Pup is a great tool for adding depth and character to your tracks.
- Multistage tube drive compressor
- Emulates the sound of an American compressor and a British saturator
- Two main controls: BARK and BITE
Slam Pup | PC & Mac
SK100
This compressor is a great option for dual/stereo bus compression. With its VU meter, you can see the gain difference between the input and output, helping you to make better choices for your music.
- Dual / stereo bus compression
- VU Meter
SK100 | PC & Mac
PajSoil EiS
This is a compressor like no other. Its design makes it perfect for creative, experimental, and exaggerated compression, giving you results that no other plugin can achieve.
The look-ahead option is provided by a new, sophisticated and unique algorithm that calculates signal volume in run time and applies gain reduction gradually. This makes it possible to achieve the perfect sound without any artifacts.
This is a must-have tool for those who want to push the boundaries of compression and create something truly unique.
- Look-ahead function
- Low-cut sidechain filter
- Unique compression algorithm
PajSoil EiS | PC & Mac
AdHd Leveling Tool
This tube leveling amplifier is a fully 64-bit sample level digital amplifier with four oversampling routines. It has special algorithms that tame peaks and give the audio more character.
- 64-bit audio processing
- Four oversampling routines
- Special algorithms tame peaks and give audio more character
AdHd Leveling Tool | PC & Mac
Analog Obsession LALA
Lala is an easy-to-use compressor VST plugin that recreates the sound of the legendary Teletronix LA-2A optical limiter/compressor. It features an all-analog signal path, filter sidechain, external sidechain, and mix control.
This is a perfect tool for those who want to add some vintage flavor to their sound.
- Recreates the sound of the Teletronix LA-2A
- All-analog signal path
- Filter sidechain
- External sidechain
- Optical Compressor
- Mix control
Analog Obsession LALA | PC & Mac
KT-C Free Compressor VST
KT-C is an analog-style compressor. It has two compression curves in electrical and acoustic sensations for your needs.
It also comes with parallel compression, essential for getting that perfect sound.
- 2 compression curves
- Input and reduction VU-meters
- Analog style compressor
KT-C | PC & Mac
GMulti
GMulti is a multi-band compressor that splits the audio into 3 configurable frequency bands and processes each individually.
This allows you to adjust compression, stereo width, and level for each band.
The bands can be muted to check settings for each in isolation. The Mix control allows you to blend the original signal with the compressed signal.
This is a great tool for those who want to have more control over their audio.
- 3 bands
- Frequency range selector
- Per band mute & solo
- Output level meter
- Mix control
GMulti | PC & Mac / Linux
GlowComp
GlowComp is a versatile stereo bus compressor designed for processing a wide variety of instruments. It’s gentle on dynamics and helps glue multiple instruments together.
GlowComp is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use compression VST plugin with its five built-in ratios and CPU-friendly design. It is sure to become a staple in your mixing toolkit.
- Five built-in ratios
- CPU-friendly design
- Great for gluing multiple instruments together
GlowComp | PC & Mac
FETISH
This is a classic compressor/limiter. It has a discrete design, and the input stage distortion offers improved input control. With the help of the selectable ratio, the attack time can be super-fast.
- Discrete design
- Improved input control
- Selectable ratio
- Attack time can be super-fast
FETISH | PC & Mac
Bedroom Compressor VST
Bedroom Compressor is a diode bridge-based compressor that can help you get your tracks sounding tighter and more polished in no time.
With a few simple controls, you can dial in the perfect amount of compression for your needs.
The Make-Up Gain control lets you boost the output volume to make up for the signal that’s being compressed. The highpass filter helps to remove any unwanted low frequencies from the compressed signal.
You can also use the highpass side chain to keep the compression from affecting the low end of your mix.
The Mix control lets you blend between the dry and compressed signal to find the perfect balance for your track.
- Diode bridge-based compression
- High-pass filter
- High-pass side-chain to keep compression from affecting low-end
Bedroom | PC & Mac
jsCompShaper
jsCompShaper is another compressor, but this one can morph between soft-knee compression and waveshaping as desired.
Furthermore, it provides pre-/post-emphasis filtering (similar to a sidechain filter) and a more analog-like attack than jsComp
jsCompShaper | PC & Mac
Rough Rider 2
Rough Rider is a modern compressor VST with a bit of “vintage” style bite and a uniquely warm sound.
Not an all-purpose compressor, Rough Rider is at its best when used to add a pump to rhythmic tracks.
It is perfect for adding compression effects to your drum bass. It also sounds great with synth bass, clean guitar, and backing vocals.
Rough Rider 2 | PC & Mac / Ubuntu / AU
Molot Compressor VST
Molot is a stereo and mono audio signal dynamic range compressor implemented in VST format. Its compression is not an emulation of any hardware or software compressor.
Molot | PC & Mac
TDR Feedback Compressor VST
The processor is dedicated to sum/bus compression and is the result of an intensive study about the musical behavior of the feedback compressor topology.
Most modern compressors analyze the input signal to control gain reduction. The feedback compressor design, however, listens to its output.
This non-intuitive approach delivers a discreet and highly musical compression characteristic that can easily handle complex signals.
TDR Feedback | PC
BattleComp Vintage
The BattleComp Vintage is a punchy yet smooth compressor with an EQ and a high pass filter on its internal sidechain and tube emulation + soft-clipping circuit in the output stage to keep peaks under control, all in one plugin.
The filter makes it easy to avoid pumping effects when there are many basses – something many compressors struggle with.
This compressor VST is suitable for both master signal compression and per-instrument compression.
BattleComp | PC & AU
GComp2
GComp2 Free VST compressor.
- Dynamics processor with expansion and compression.
- Incorporated high/low pass filter.
GComp2 | PC & Mac / Linux
DC1A
DC1A is the little brother of the compression monster DC8C. I’ve taken a few of my favorite settings from DC8C and tried to make it work in a two control context.
Sound-wise it’s comparable to the PUNCH mode in DC8C but offers a few additional features, such as negative ratio and stereo unlink.
DC1A | PC & AU
Blockfish Compressor
Blockfish is a versatile compressor with countless ways to shape the incoming audio.
Unlike many other digital compressors, Blockfish has a soul.
It likes to bite, but it can be tamed easily once you’ve learned how to use its potential.
Blockfish | PC & AU
FL4TT3RY 2
This gentle, squashy compressor is intended for use on buses, though it also works well on channels.
It has a very soft knee, with a ratio that gradually increases to hard limiting. It also has a choice between RMS-based level detection (with a window size that depends on the attack time) or a brand-new peak sensing algorithm.
- New peak sensing mode.
- External sidechain inputs.
- Gain Reduction metering
- Gain change metering
FL4TT3RY 2 | PC & AU
DCAM FreeComp
DCAM FreeComp is a free plugin for premium circuit-modeled compression.
It models the behavior of a classic console bus compressor design. It can be used for creative sculpting and taming peaks in individual tracks.
- Straightforward interface
- Creative sculpting
- Taming peaks in individual tracks
- Bypass Switch
DCAM FreeComp | PC & AU
ATKStereoCompressor
This is a dual-channel compressor with stereo or middle/side and a serial or parallel path.
- Two separate channels for compression
- Stereo or middle/side processing
- Serial or parallel path
Plugin | PC & AU
ReaComp
ReaComp is a powerful compressor that offers various features and options.
It supports soft-knee compression, sidechain filters, sidechain inputs, feedback compression mode, program-dependent auto-release mode, variable RMS size, and oversampling antialias modes.
Key Features
- Supports soft-knee compression
- Sidechain filters
- Sidechain inputs
- Feedback compression mode
- Auto-release mode
- Variable RMS size
- Oversampling antialias modes
- Wet/dry mix
- Low CPU
ReaComp | PC
NightShine
NightShine modeled on alesis 3630 peak compressor.
NightShine | PC
H2O
H2O is a simple compressor plugin for Windows computers.
H2O | PC
MdspCompressor
A simple and effective compressor with classic controls auto gains compensation and pre-amp to overdrive it.
Plugin | PC & Mac
Comp4
Comp4 is a 4-band compressor. Comp4 can work traditionally or in side-chaining mode to boost or suppress specific frequencies.
Comp4 | PC
NastyVCS
Inspired by the smooth dynamic and tone-shaping capabilities of some high-end mixing consoles and channel strips.
NastyVCS | PC
Additional Free Compressors
Now that I have looked at the best compressor plugins, let’s take a look at some additional available options.
In conclusion, the world of music production is constantly evolving, and with the advent of digital audio workstations and powerful plugins, it has become easier than ever to achieve professional-sounding results from the comfort of your home.
When it comes to dynamic range and dynamics control, compressors are an essential tool for music producers, and many great options are available, even for those on a budget.
Free compressors can be a lifesaver for inexperienced music producers, as they offer a way to experiment with dynamics processors without spending money.
Many stock DAW compressor plugins provide standard dynamics control, but a unique compressor plugin may be a must-have for more complex compression needs.
Lower compression ratios, slow attack and release times, and soft clip saturation plugin features can help achieve the desired sound, especially on stereo buses, left and right channels, and applied to entire mixes.
While a flexible compressor may be necessary for certain genres and styles, a standard compressor can often do the job, providing transparent dynamic range compression and gain reduction without coloring the sound.
Low-frequency control is also important, especially for audio mastering and achieving a balanced mix.
Many superb free compressors are available for music production, mixing, and mastering.
Whether you’re an experienced music producer or just starting, these plugins can be a valuable addition to your toolkit and provide the ability to control dynamics in a way that enhances your music.
There are many different compressor types, and the free plugins above are all great free alternatives to paid plugins and stock plugins like the FabFilter Pro-C Compressor Plug-In, TUBE-TECH CL 1B Compressor, iZotope Neutron, Compressor Plugins by Waves, and the Klanghelm Mjuc compressor.
I hope you enjoy these free compressor VST plugins.
You May Also Like:
- Free Limiter VST Plugin – If you are interested in more audio plugins to help improve your audio, a limiter VST plugin may help.
- Free Equalizer VST Plugins
- Best Free Mastering VST Plugins
